Register for your FREE $25 Certificate!

Great news! As you guys may already know we have been working with ArlingtonVirginia.com to get the word out even more about The Ballston A&C Market.

Besides the awesome videos, web coverage, free tote bags and more, ArlingtonVirginia.com will now raffle off a $25 gift certificate every month for the Ballston Arts & Crafts Market in 2011.

Go to ArlingtonVirginia.com and register!  Do you love it? I love it.

Gypsy Tailor

Gypsy Tailor creates unique and well crafted accessories for everybody in the family! Artist, Isabel Wilder, works with leather, recycled neckties, vintage fabrics, silk, wool and colorful cottons to create items that EVERYONE else will love.

Check out the zigzag topstitching, embroidery and appliques that gives my Gypsy Tailor's items a special touch!

And don't forget the dog ties!

See if you can catch the Gypsy and her adorable handmade creations at the May 14th Ballston A&C Market!

Melissa Lew Returns to Welburn Square!

Now this is reason to celebrate. The incredible art of Melissa Lew returns to Welburn Square on Saturday, Map 14th!

In Ballston, Melissa is well known for her beautiful Asian-inspired PMC (precious metal clay) jewelry, which each piece on its own, is a fine work of art. From peaceful koi fish to intricately designed cherry blossoms, Melissa's jewelry speaks volumes about her talent and eye for detailed beauty. You won't know whether to display it, or wear it. So, my guess is you'll end up doing both!

Visit Melissa at the next Ballston A&C Market on Saturday. May 14th from 10AM - 4PM in Welburn Square (aka the Ballston Circle).

NEW Video: Nikdapooh Designs

Hey everyone! Here's another video from ArlingtonVirginia.com. This one's with mixed media artisist, Monique from Nikdapooh Designs. Enjoy!

See you at the next Ballston A&C Market on Saturday, May 14th! This is getting exciting. 

Kaylala's Organic Apothecary

Yummy enough to eat (but please don't!) Kaylala's Organic Apothecary products nourish your skin without poisoning your body or the environment. They firmly believe that if you can’t eat it, you shouldn’t put it on YOUR SKIN!

They also package their products primarily in recyclable/reusable glass and aluminum, not just for sake of the environment, but also because plastics can leach phthalates and other plasticizers into skin care products and into your skin, disrupting the endocrine system -- not so yummy, eh?

At Kaylala, they are fastidious (great word, right?!) about all aspects of skin care, whether it's the ingredients and how they were farmed, the packaging and how it reacts with the product, or even the aromatherapy effect on your mood from the natural fragrance of the essential oils.


Find Kaylala at the next Ballston A&C Market on May 14th. IMPORTANT: I would get to the market early that day because I just might buy them out of their inventory! :)

Artist Q&A with Ten East Read

1). So. Since May 14th will be your first time at the Ballston A&C Market, tell us a little bit about Ten East Read. 
Ten East Read is a small, Arlington-based t-shirt company. We're committed to delivering funny and cool tees that make people smile, and that we'd want to wear ourselves. We're a three-person collaboration and each of us brings different interests to the table.

• Eric's interests include nature photography and robots.
• Sheridan's tend towards literature and puns.
• Christiann is a comic artist whose jokes range from technological to darkly adorable.

If you look at our website, our designs are divided into two categories: Sheridan and Eric mostly work in cahoots as the Bad Nanobot collaboration and Christiann's designs are primarily based on her awesome comic, Sticky Comics. Our t-shirts are screenprinted by hand on 100% cotton shirts, and we use durable, water-based inks because they feel softer and are better for the environment. Basically, we're into making products we love -- and we're happy when we find people who love them too!

2). You have so many clever (and funny!) tee shirt designs! My favorite is F. Scott Fitzgerald tee. (I mean, who wouldn’t?) Which design is your favorite? Any reason? 
Thank you! The I Want To F. Scott Fitzgerald tee is definitely a favorite. Since each design has a special place in our hearts, it's hard to pick just one. We have a lot of ideas in the works, including some products that have not yet been officially released, so some of those are already new favorites. We love the designs that make people laugh when they first look at them, like the F. Scott shirt or the Kindle Will Assimilate Your Books shirt. Also, the Sunset Tree tee is just so pretty, most of us have at least two of them for ourselves.  

3). Have you always been into designing wearable art, or is this something new for you?   
Each of us has always been into unique fashions in our own right. Christiann and Sheridan used to design and sew funky clothing as teenagers (they're twin sisters, by the way) and Eric got into vintage clothing around the same time. We're all into various arts and crafts as well, such as painting, papercraft, carpentry and drawing, and we love funny t-shirts. So, we thought it would be fun to screenprint our own designs. It turns out, it is!  

4). What three words would you use to describe your craft? 
Fun. Cute. Awesome.    


5). Where can we find your craft outside the Ballston Arts & Crafts Market? 
Our products can be found on our website and in our Etsy shop. We also sell Ten East Read merchandise in person at other art and craft festivals and Sticky Comics merchandise at comic conventions. We are members of The Soundry and our products are available at their boutique and also at their art festival, Art Carnage. Ten East Read products are also available at Christiann's Sticky Comics appearances, which are currently planned for ConnectiCon in July, Philly Alt Comic Con in August, Intervention Con in September and the New York Comic Con in October.

Random Bonus Question: Who would win in a fight--a yeti or a ninja panda? 
Definitely the yeti. A yeti is as quick as a ninja panda, but blends in better with snow. Obviously, this battle would be in a blizzard. (Well, or course.)

NEW Video: Jen-A-Fusion

The videos from the Ballston A&C Market (from ArlingtonVirginia.com!) just keep coming. Check out this new one with Jen-A-Fusion!

Then, check out Jen and her beautiful upcycled creations in person at the Market on Saturday, May 14th!

Brighter Day Beads - Brings the Happy on May 14th

With a new website design, Brighter Day Beads means business ... well ... by business we mean bright colors, adorable beads and just plain fun!

And not only does Brighter Day Beads has a ton of youthful beaded designs to choose from (from happy hamsters to cute cats to merry monkeys), they can also host jewelry-making parties! Your children will get to explore the expressive world of beading with a talented instructor who will teach basic design and color theory, encourage personal expression, provide inspiration and promote creativity in a fun and enjoyable way for all participants.

And you guessed it--Brighter Day Beads will be displaying plenty of colorful necklaces and bracelets at the next Ballston A&C Market on Saturday, May 14th.

NEW Video: Moonlight Bindery!

Yay! We love ArlingtonVirginia.com! Check out this NEW video just posted from our Grand Opening on April 9th. This one is with Katie Wagner from Moonlight Bindery. Yep. The LEGO book gal! :)

The next market is Saturday, May 14th. See you there!

The BumbleBee Studio Returns April 14th!

I can't wait until Saturday, May 14th because the fresh scent of lavender is soon to fill up the air in Welburn Square when The BumbleBee Studio returns to the Ballston A&C Market.

The BumbleBee Studio features natural, handcrafted artisan luxuries for bath, body and home. Each product is formulated with nature's finest plant & fruit oils & butters, pure essential oils and fresh botanicals.  And all of these wonderful lavender products are handcrafted by artist, Julie Diers in her studio in the Shenandoah Valley.

Give the the gift of lavender to soothe the mind, body and soul. Perfect for that stressed-out someone in your life? Or maybe even yourself!

Fuzzy Ink! May 14th!

Wow! Our next market on Saturday, May 14th will be here quicker than we think. Here's another one of our super-awesome exhibitors joining us for the Spring show.

Fuzzy Ink makes their 2011 debut at the Ballston Arts & Crafts Market, and we couldn't be more thrilled to welcome them to the Square! And Fuzzy Ink is dedicated to the loving production of mustache-clad apparel.

Armed with a unique sense of style and an under-appreciated sense of humor, they work frantically to bring the freshest designs to the unkempt mustache kingdom. Each shirt, from the custom stamped tag to the artwork, is designed and hand printed in their underground lair. Additionally, they are committed to making and selling only clothing that we would proudly sport ourselves.

Yay, Fuzzy Ink. Catch their (with or without mustaches!) on May 14th from 10am - 4pm at the BA&CM!

Happy Spring!

Perhaps spring has sprung! Happy beautiful Sunday to you all.

Get your own Tiny Bigfoot with a Springtime Gift from Red & Main--another one of our awesome exhibitors this season.

Pattern to the People - May 14th!

The paintings, clothing, maps, weaponry and architecture of England's Golden Age all reflect a world full of bold, colorful, interactive and ornate repetition. Pattern to the People's hand-painted, wooden bracelets are a tribute to that time of patterned enlightenment.

So original. So cool. So perfect for the Ballston A&C Market on Saturday, May 14th!

Happy Earth Day Artists!

Happy Earth Day, everyone!

In celebration of Earth Day, I just thought I'd mention that the Ballston Arts & Crafts Market is an environment-friendly event! Instead of using all conventional electricity, Welburn Square uses solar power to keep the Market bright and our musicians plugged in.

The market is also proud to host some of the best environmentally conscience artisans around! Check out which of your favorite Ballston A&C Market exhibitors are also doing their part to keep this world a greener place.

Artsy Fartsy upcycles plastics to create her jewelry

Solar Crepes is just that ... completely solar and uses only organic ingredients

Ashleybug's bibs & burp cloths are made with soft organic cotton

Herban Lifestyle only uses all-natural ingredients

Nikdapooh Designs creates sculptures using re-purposed materials, like lightbulbs

Kaylala Organic Apothecary lives up to it's name

And UglyKittyReDeux uses recycled & reclaimed materials

Fast Snail Greetings and Designs are printed on environmentally friendly papers

I'm so happy we're all doing our part to keep Arlington a little greener.

Bette's Bags

Rejoice, crafters and craft-lovers! Bette's Bags is back for an entire season at the Ballston A&C Market! Bette brings her completley unique and colorful collection to market in Welburn Square each and every SECOND SATURDAY of the month

So, if you're looking for a one-of-a-kind handbag, purse, tote, yoga bag, diaper bag--you name it--then you've come to the right place! Each of Bette's bags are made individually from start to finish. They make one bag at a time, so you can be assured that quality and care is put into every stitch.

You'll know a Bette's Bag when you see one. Visit with Betty and the family at the next Ballston A&C Market on Saturday, May 14th. See you at Booth #30!

Help Promote the Ballston A&C Market!

The season has just begun! The upcoming Ballston A&C Markets are going to be awesome, and we would love your help promoting them!   


Let your family, friends and fans know all about our awesome little indie market. After all, we are Arlington's ONLY 100% handmade event. We've earned some bragging rights! 

So, follow and repost our tweets on Twitter. We're BallstonMarkets. And friend us on Facebook (Ballston Partnership).

We also have a cool button to use to promote the market online! (above). Just drop this HTML code in your website or blog and let everyone know you are participating in the Ballston A&C Market:


<a href="http://ballstonarts-craftsmarket.blogspot.com/"> <img border="0" src="http://iloveballston.com/ArtMarket.jpg"></a>

Together, we can make the Ballston A&C Market even bigger! The next market is on Saturday, May 14th from 10 AM - 4 PM in pretty, tree-lined Welburn Square, which is conveniently located right across the street from the Ballston Metro.

Shout it from the rooftops--our art market kicks out some serious craft!

Red Table Press

Okay. Red Table Press joins the Ballston A&C Market on May 14th and I'm super-siked about this. Not only does artist, Mike O'Brien create OUTSTANDING screen-printed posters and illustrations, he also brings with him handmade monster plushes inspired by his artwork, to the shows. Talk about comibing the best of both worlds!

Yep, like a I said before, catch Red Table Press and their screenprinted brilliance and plushies at the May 14th Ballston A&C Market. 

Jules Jewels Returns on May 14th!

Jules’ Jewels is synonymous with passionate, outspoken creativity.  The exclusive collection is a spirited, eclectic mix of elegance and individuality.

Jules’ Jewels are one of-a kind treasures crafted with materials chosen for their color, texture and timelessness. Each piece is precisely created with fine attention to detail.

Wrap yourself, or someone you adore–in unique pieces that make a statement!

Market favorite Jules' Jewels returns to the Ballston A&C Market on Saturday, May 14th!

Saffron Offers FREE Yoga Class at the Ballston A&C Market!

Oh, boy! The May 14th Market is going to be so much fun.

Not only do we have an amazing array of talented artisans lined up for you, but Saffron Yoga will also be at the show from 12 noon to 2 PM with FREE yoga classes for the entire family.

And donations will be accepted to benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's Team in Training.

Saturday, May 14th -- Crafts, yoga and crepes. The day just keeps getting better!

Sande's Handmade Books

Introducing Sande's Handmade Books!

After after a class assignment, Sande fell in love with making books. And, now she creates handmade journals, sketchbooks, watercolor books and notebooks using the coptic binding technique.

Sande also prints her own pages, which are ruled and can be monogramed for personalization or can simply include a favorite subject. Blank-pages sketchbooks are also available.

Crazy. Good. Books. That's all you really need to know about Sande's Handmade Books ... except for the fact that they'll be at the Ballston Arts & Crafts Market on Saturday, May 14th!

Q&A with Art2Die4

1). Art2Die4 is a colorful, truly unique experience in hand-tinting. I’ve never seen photography like it. Can you share with us your artistic process?

Absolutely! I use an old-fashioned technique of oils and q-tips and lots of fingers to mix in the different colors of oil onto the photo surface. First, each photo must be printed on a special photographic paper so the oils will stick. If its a photo that I have taken myself that's all there is. If it is one of my historic photos I first restore the image so all the age spots and tears have been removed. It's really a joy to watch the image come to life in color! And, I use very subtle colors to merely enhance the image, but keep it intact.

2). Where does your inspiration come from? 

Just from life itself. I love images of people and their expressions revealing who they really are. That's what started me on my special section called "A Celebration of Women." I was overjoyed to find great old photos of suffragettes and women playing baseball in the 1920s and a woman pilot from 1910, etc. Great reminders of how hard women have worked to get where we are today.  

3). What is your favorite handmade possession? 

One of the most inspirational pieces that I have done is of two women in 1916 in Washington DC. The title of the piece is "Convention of Former Slaves, Washington DC." Every time I see their faces I am inspired to do even more to reveal these images from our past that we have forgotten ... give them renewed life!

4). What three words would you use to describe your craft?

I would say my work of the historic pieces is nostalgic, sometimes a bit haunting and definitely eclectic.

5). Where can we find your craft outside the Ballston Arts & Crafts Market? 

Right now I have a gallery space in Richmond Virginia at the Crossroads Art Center where I show my work and also my website. I participate about 25 juried art shows a year in Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania and North Carolina.

Random Bonus Question: What’s your favorite mythological creature? Any reason? 

One of my favorite mythological creatures is the Phoenix, with its beautiful gold and red plumage. It is a sacred firebird (not any sex). When it dies it builds itself a nest of cinnamon twigs which it then ignites. Both nest and bird are reduced to ashes from which a new, young phoenix arises. I like to think that is how we are when we create our lives here and then are reduced to ashes only to rise again into a new lifetime to create again.

Repost from Still in St. Louis: Beeps Peeps

I don't do this very often, but I couldn't help it! Check out this repost of this great blog, Still in in St. Louis, about one our of very own Ballston A&C Market exhibitors, Beep's Peeps.  This is a great read because it really showcases Beep's clever and adorable products very well ... I know I want the travel tray now!

BeepsPeeps makes the greatest on-the-go toy for girls that I've seen yet: On-the-go Doll House complete with pillow people! And get this - soon, Beep's Peeps will be offering mix and match options for the pillow people so customers can choose a family that reflects their own!

Isn't that adorable? I'm thinking even Elijah would love something like this. It's small, machine washable and QUIET ...

Beeps' Peeps also makes plenty of other kids toys and useful bags andchanging pads for moms. Check out this awesome Mother's Day package : Foldable Tote and matching Mug sleeve. Such a sweet gift set and very green :)

One more thing I have to share: Have you ever heard of a travel tray? Well, Beep's Peeps makes 'em. They are completely flat for traveling, but once you land, you can snap up the corners for a fashionable catch all.

Told you you'd want to buy! Follow Beep's Peeps's blog at eat your p's and q's for crafting tips, updates on new items and lovely treasuries.

{Please consider buying handmade this Mother's Day!!!}

Wild Hare Fiber Studio - May 14th!

Wild Hare Fiber Studio is the home of fiber artist, Melissa Yoder Ricks. With a background in fine arts and a life-long passion for yarn and needles, Melissa aims to support and encourage creativilty and quality in all manner of fiber arts by providing unique products for fiber enthusiasts.

Wander around Wild Hare Fiber Studio and enjoy all of the bright and beautiful colors of Melissa's handspun and hand-dyed yarns, spinning fibers and original handcrafted items.

Then, see the yarn spinning in action at the Ballston A&C Market's next show on Saturday, May 14th!

Video Interview with Photographer, Drew Smith

 Check out another cool interview from the Ballston Arts & Craft Market's Opening Day. This one's with local photographer, Drew Smith!



Thanks again ArlingtonVirginia.com.

Knotty Daughters

Knotty Daughters creates fun and fabulous aprons for Knotty girls! Their aprons are bright and beautiful to satisfy your fashionista side, but they're made out of kitchen towels, so they're strong enough for everyday use. Best of all, the extra-long ties mean that you can knot them in the front or back for a perfect fit.

And since every Knotty Daughters apron is made by hand with loving care, there will be slight differences in every one, making each one is unique.

These are knot your mom's aprons! Check out Knotty Daughters at the next Ballston Arts & Crafts Market on Saturday, May 14th!

Cool Videos from Opening Day!

Opening Day was so much fun! And ArlingtonVirginia.com was there to record the entire event. While they kept the cameras rolling, we kept on crafting, yapping and selling. Check out some awesome artist interviews from April 9th!

And if you missed the fun, no worries--The Ballston Arts & Crafts Market will be back Saturday, May 14th with your returning faves and whole bunch of brand-new artists joining in on the fun!

Welcome!


Holland Cox


Jewelry Link

Cool Kid's Fashion: Yinibini Baby's

Man, kid's fashions have never been so cool! Take Yinibini Baby for example. Not only does Yinibini have adorable duds for both boys and girls, like tops & tees, pants & capris, bibs and they now carry bloomers!

How cute are they?! And since they are all handmade, you can choose your bloomer in any fabric they have in stock!  Just take a gander through the Fabric Library.

Catch Yinibini Baby and all their baby apparel at next month's May 14th Ballston Arts & Crafts Market.

Opening Day Success!

Hey everyone--Give yourselves a round of applause! Despite the chilly temperatures (did it even reach 45 degrees?) we were all in great spirits and the visitors kept coming! Our Opening Day celebration was a huge success.

Special thanks to Team in Training, ArlingtonVirginia.com for the free totes, The Washington Kastles' mascot, Topspin & Marymount's mascot, Bernie! And also to Stone/Wright--you guys were fantastic! And how can we forget Solar Crepes who kept our bellies full all day.

And, of course the artists who braved the cold and kept selling. The market wouldn't be awesome without each and everyone of you! Now, check out some fun pics from Opening Day!

Grumpy Hater & their Little Frellas

Brand-new designs by Jillory

Laughing Moon's colorful artwork

Refined Creations' beautiful & inspirational leather & PMC bracelets

Squidfire's best seller!

Ashley Buchanan Jewelry stunning handcut designs

Spring-themed Happy Bunny boxes by the one and only Boxboy!

Introducing awesome belt buckles by EHL Creations!

Solar Crepes was hoppin ALL day

Flying goldfish by Nikdapooh Designs

Stone/Wright was just right!

 Topspin!

And Bernie!

Get ready for spring with Stitches

Lanyapi Designs hard at work

 Of course: fuzzy soap by Herban Lifestyle

See you at the next Ballston A&C Market on May 14!